Why does H&V seem to get so many bad reviews?

[blue_eyes5212]

We have hollywood and vine booked for September (fantasmic package).
Since it seems to have so many bad reviews I am rethinking my decision.
It's not that I am so easily influenced, but there are tons of restaurants that I want to try and this is one that I was already not sure about.

I guess my question is 2 parts because if I decide to cancel Hollywood and Vine, I want to know how that will affect us getting to see fantasmic (We ate at Mama Melrose last year and did not like it, and don't want to use 2 TS credits for Brown Derby). How early do they allow people in to the Fantasmic theater??

Thanks!!
~Amanda~

 

[DonaldTDuck]

Here's my review on allearsnet from last September.

I liked several of the selections, but there were many that just seemed odd. A lot of heavy sauces and several dishes I might have liked but with mushrooms or raisons or blackberries in it. Our server, however was great. We had a problem with our 'media' and the computers wouldn't read our plan, but it was taken care of very quickly and we were told what to do when we got back to our resort. I would go there again if some one I was with wanted to, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

 

[Tess'smom]

We went in September as well last year and were disappointed with the food choices as well. We have tried it at least two times and both times we had to wait at least 30 minutes past our reservation time to get a table. I don't really see much of a difference in seating with the Fantasmic package and just getting there a little early yourself. JMO

 

[Dreamfinder2]

We've eaten at H&V once and it was OK, nuthin' special. Some folks are just opposed to buffets in general, and if that's true of you, steer clear.

Be aware that the Fantasmic package seating is on the far right of the seating area as you face the "sets." Because I'm such a good guy, I went in about 1 1/4 hour early, staked out some seats front and center, and the rest of my group showed up about 30 minutes before showtime. They say that every seat has a perfect view? Technically, that's probably true, but for us - and we've seen Fantasmic many times - there IS a difference in the quality of the show experience, depending on where you sit.

I don't think I'd do the package again, simply because there are better seats available. But you do have to sacrifice some park time to get a good seat. By that time of the day, maybe sitting down with a snack isn't such a bad thing.

One other hint: there are a couple of "snack bars" directly behind the center section of seats that serve substantial snacks, like hot dogs and nachos. The lines for these are horrific. If you'll just stroll a little further down toward where you entered, there are typically a couple of other snack carts with ice cream, frozen lemonade, etc., that have minimal waits. The food variety just isn't as extensive.

 

[minnierocks]

We do the Fantasmic dinner package every time and we go to H&V EVERY time! For our kids, it is a must-do...this is one place that we don't miss!

It is definitely a buffet, but we have found the dishes to be extremely varied, which means that everyone in our party finds something that they like. The food has always been fresh and tasty (except for the flank steak...too much tenderizer ). Our service has always been great.

If you are looking for cons, it can get quite noisy, when busy and it shares restrooms with the 50's Primetime, next door.

This is definitely a mixed review place, but I would give it a try and decide for yourself!

 

[TBLaube]

H&V definitely has an different style menu, not your traditional bland foods which I think is a refreshing change of pace. The kids also love the variety of desserts. We have dined there several times and it was good. It is definitely loud in there, but we have always received excellent service.
If using the Fantasmic Dinner Package, try it....what is the worst that can happen? You don't eat there again....

 

[vancesmom]

We stumbled into H&V and we loved it. Ended up eating there twice in one trip. Looking forward to returning.

 

[RumpleMom]

I really liked the salmon at H&V.

 

[rcraw45425]

Well, the time we ate there (early, between 5 &6), the food was terrible and the service worse. We were not on the DDP either, so the waiter knew he would get a tip. I also had the worst case of upset stomach I have ever experienced shortly afterward too. Never again for us. It was also filthy, tables unbussed for over thirty minutes while people waited for seats, food on the floor and counters in front of the buffet lines. Ick.

 

[shellbel]

I agree with the last poster. We ate there this past September and I will never eat there again. We waited a very long time even with our PS. We like almost all food, even buffets but the food here was just good.

 

[MickeyNicki]

This is one place that I will never go back to....the food is terrible and the service was horrible...never gave us drink refills, never cleared our plates away and the tables around us were never cleaned off when people left.

We left there hungry because the food was blech, not fresh and the food was not refilled quickly

 

[DISNEYNY]

I have never been to H&V so can't comment on that. Have been to Fantasmic several times. Depending on the crowd size you will need to go into the theater at least a hour ahead of time if you want a seat front and center. Last year in August we went about a half an hour ahead and got one of the last seats on the left hand side. One other year we waited too long and ended up with standing room only...many people were turned away. Also, they always tell us that all of you party must be together. If one person goes in to save the seats and they close off the line before the others get in they will not be allowed to enter. They are strict on this. So you have to consider the options. Do you want to take a chance on the H&V food or do you want to use over a hour of park time to ensure you will get a good seat.

 

[Tink10]

Count me in as another who won't return to H & V....

We went a few years ago & loved it!!! So, we went back every trip thereafter....Both the food & service got worse on each trip.

On the last trip, I was with a friend & her daughter & we were just shocked at the family next to us. They were throwing food, one of the kids was licking the table and the parents said nothing.....It was disgusting!!!

The server was very aware of the food being thrown & didn't say a word.....We left ASAP & will not go back.

 

[pooh2001]

We ate at H&V twice duirng Easter week.
I guess we like normal food. There were plenty of choices for our family and no one got sick from the food. Both times we had an early dinner - around 4 pm.

We did the Fantasmic package b/c we pay out of pocket - no discounts or meal plans and H&V is the least expensive of the three (MM & BD).
We have Annual Passes - so no DDE discount for Fantasmic

The other time was when we decided to go to Studio's and had no dinner ADR - it was Easter week. My DH approached H&V arounf 3 PM and was told to come back at 4:30 PM. We waited 10 minutes to be seated at a table - and the food was fine.

If you like fancy food with sauces and plated nicely - this is not your place -then do Brown Derby.
If you like BBQ chicken, burgers, fries & pizza - then Hollywood & Vine is just perfect for your family.

 

[mamamary]

We did ok at H&V. We did have good service. We got seated right away and we had a good waiter. I thought the food was fine. I have two picky kids so we decided a buffet would be best. There seemed to be something for everybody. Probably wouldn't go back but only because I'd like to try another restaurant.

 

[Sabre2th]

Well I've got a good story turned ugly. In '03, we went to H&V for our Fantasmic package and we thought the place was great! Got lucky I guess; the food was fresh and plenty to choose from, I had no trouble deciding what to eat, even our super picky picky kiddos were happy with the place. Even our service was bar none! I was so impressed that on our last day we changed our reservations from Crystal Palace to H&V.

WHAT A MISTAKE THAT WAS!!! Everything we loved about H&V just a few days earily disappeared! All the horror stories you've read so far I could truthfully repeat.
It was without a doubt the WORST experience we had at WDW that year, and I swore then I would never, ever, EVER go back to that dump!
I only hope some big-wigs there a WDW get news of the joints bad reputation, and make some changes! They can keep the buffet, just change the personel! Maybe then the place would be worth going back to.